The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-06-11
Nash, J. w. Manchester, j. F. Rice and
HI. Garfield.
The Occasional Sermon.

sional sermon was delivered by Rev. E.
F. Pember, of Cincinnati, from Matt.
xvi. Is. Upon this rock 1 will build
my church, and the gates of hell shall
not prevail against it."
The special occasion of the text was out
lined. It reveals "Faith in Christianity"
Upon this rock the church of Christ has been
built and stands in its power and beauty to-
day. 1t is sometimes charged that this is an
age of doubt, of skepticism, and infidelity.
This may be true in regard to certain dogmas,
but it is not true in relation to the essen
tial principles of Christianity. There is less
of blind assent to creed and formula; more
of genuine, intelligent Christian faith.
~ Faith in God our heavenly Father.
(2) Faith in Christ as the Saviour. We
recognize other religious teachers, but none
equal to Christ. His mission is glorious; His
name is precious.
(3) Faith in the Immortality of the human
soul. Death has less of terror for the dying,
| and far less of doubt and darkness for the
| mourner.
In all this there is something positive and
practical, that testifes in no uncertain tones
of the final triumph of the gospel of Christ.
l sometimes think that the modern spirit of
worldliness is the strongest foe of all forms
of religious faith. Not that the beautiful
things of earth should make less beautiful
and enchanting the glory of Immortality or
| the present peace of a Christian life. Some
of the facts were considered: (a) Disregard
of the Sabbath. (b) The public press-reports
base ball and horse-trots- little mention
made of the church. (c) The laws of our
social life-interfere with the growth of the
| Church. The demands of fashion and the
pride of her devotees keeps many rich one
absent from church services, and drives away
| the poor when they do attend. The minister
breaches to empty pews. In all this the Uni
versalist church does not suffer more than
erous estimate of all human affairs take the
lead in turning the tide of our worldliness
toward the cross of Christ.
| The church of the future must be liberal
Christian church. To command respect
there must be a rock of faith in something
capital of the bank. All that is worthy of
mention in human history came through
| faith.
The Universalist church is no exception.
| We are a church of faith--of Christian faith.
We meet in annual Convention to take coun-
sci together. We seek success. As our ia
theirs built in faith the temple of truth, so
Won onI 7 y,usf bu;Id 10, dow
| We do not understand simply an accept
ance of our Profession of Faith" but, as
well, confidence in ourselves and in our abil-
ity as denomination to live and grow and
do our part in the great battle of life.
Thank God, the 'croaker" is losing caste
in our Conventions. AS denomination, we
have come to stay. We have taken the "old
forts u of orthodoxy. Shall we surrender?
MOI "The croaker" attempts curious COM
parsons with other churches which do not
show all the facts. The last twenty -five years
nearly covers our original efforts for victory.
We would not boast, but there is enough in
the facts to free our friends from many a
false charge.
| We repeat, therefore, we have need OF
faith in ourselves. The world is in darkness
and we have the light of truth. The world is
in sin, and we bring the gospel of love. II
is in sorrow and we have the grand gospel
hope. America at least is ready for our faith
to be preached. A generous and willing
hearing in nearly every city and village is
I granted to us. North, South, East and West
is the same. Proclaim the doctrine There
is power in it a! Welcome the doctrine Yes,
with proper confidence in ourselves will
come naturally zeal for work that will not
stop short of success.
| Do not fear enthusiasm. There is no dan
ger with our people in this direction. We
| have abundant confidence in the Universal
ism of st. Paul. He said, "Quench not the
Spirit"
If partialists are in earnest with only q
limited hope of final success, what should be
the enthusiasm of the Universalist church
No power should be able to keep Univers-
alist battery silent or spike single gun.
But unfortunately for our UNCONVENTIONAL
strength, many of our friends surrender to
the enemy on the slightest inducement. (a)
Marriage-when the faith and church is re-
linquished. (b) Social standing. (c) Lib
eral bait on the orthodox hook-these detract
from our strength.
If in earnest for the success of the truth,
every believer would prove loyal, and we
soon prove our power to the world.
Again. We plead for faith in Christ be-
cause this will bring to our church the devo-
ton and personal conservation that we need.
| Some of our churches are nearer the kingdom
in this regard. Prayer meetings are on the
increase. We have had the largest increase
the past year of any in church membership.
With love our theme, none can remain silent
and unmoved. Our faith in Christ is the
| rock upon which we build Add enthusiasm
and devotion, and final victory is sure
AT the close of the occasional sermon
a recess was taken until 1870 Pm.
First Afternoon.
The President, on the re-assembling
of Convention, announced the following
Committees:
Religious Services. -Revs. J. w. Hen
ley and H. l.. Garfield, w. D. Sibley.
Unfinished Business. = Hon. B. F.
Thomas, W. d. Shipman, Rev. Mrs.
Danforth.
NominatiOns.-W H. Slade, Mrs.
VIM. Hardy, Ellison Shook, Mrs. M. L.
Iopoa Raw Il Rico